The Giants and running back Saquon Barkley stunned the NFL world on Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $11 million plus incentives for this season. The news comes just a week after the two sides couldn’t agree to a long-term deal before the deadline for franchise-tagged players.
While New York negotiated with Barkley’s representation over a long-term contract, the team reportedly explored the possibility of trading the running back. According to Pro Football Talk, the Giants called at least a dozen teams after tagging Barkley in the spring looking for a trade partner, something that Barkley reportedly requested New York to do.
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Florio reports at the time, Barkley was looking for $15–16 million annually, a number that is much higher than the deal he ultimately signed on Tuesday. As a result, New York could not find a trade match if Barkley would not change his contract request.
The franchise tag for running backs is $10.1 million this season, but Barkley can also earn at least $2 million in incentives this year. As per Barkley’s new deal, the Giants can still tag the running back next offseason at 120% of his current salary, which means he could be back in a similar position.
In 2022, Barkley ran for a career-high 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns, on his way to a second Pro Bowl appearance.
